USMI promotes Bernhard to President

United States Marine, Inc. (USMI) has announced the promotion of Bryant Bernhard to President. Mr. Bernhard worked with USMI from 1994 to 1998 as head Naval Architect and Engineer and rejoined the company in January 2006 as Division Head of Special Projects.

Now headquartered in Gulfport, Miss., USMI employs 200 people and prior to Hurricane Katrina was based in New Orleans, where it has since restarted operations.

Among other boats, USMI produces Special Operations Craft Riverine (SOCR) and Naval Special Warfare Rigid Inflatable Boats (NSW RIBs) that have seen extensive use by U.S. Special Operations Forces.

"We are pleased to have Bryant accept the position of President," stated USMI CEO Barry Dreyfus Jr., who was previously President and CEO. "Bryant and his wife, Johnnie, joined us shortly after we relocated to Gulfport, showing enthusiasm and support for both the rebuilding of USMI and the Gulf Coast region. Bryant's experience, knowledge and ingenuity have been a great benefit to our company's rebuilding and expansion, and we look forward to his leadership of the company for many years to come."

Mr. Bernhard has over 18 years of boat building experience to USMI, including previous positions of Vice President of Engineering at Wellcraft Marine, Genmar Corporation and also as Program Engineer for Swiftships, Inc.

Mr. Bernhard graduated from the University of Houston with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and holds a Masters of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in both Louisiana and Florida, and is awaiting the finalization of a Mississippi license.

Barry Dreyfus, who continues with USMI as CEO, stated "I was in the capacity of CEO prior to Katrina, but shortly after reopening in Gulfport it became a necessity that I also assume the title of President. Bryant's promotion will allow me to concentrate on more strategic issues, while still having a day-to-day involvement with the company."